No concern over Zabaleta injury - Platt

Manchester City have played down concerns over defender Pablo Zabaleta’s foot injury.

The in-form Argentina right-back was hurt in a clash with Brede Hangeland in the second half of City’s 2-0 Barclays Premier League win over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.

He returned to action after leaving the field for treatment but limped off and was substituted a few minutes later.

With City’s other two right-backs, Micah Richards and Maicon, already sidelined by injuries and another option in Kolo Toure at the African Nations Cup, there were fears of a shortage in the position.

But first-team coach David Platt does not think Zabaleta’s problem is serious and has suggested he could even feature at Stoke in the FA Cup fourth round next week.

Platt said: “He has gone over on his ankle.

“We don’t have another game for a week.

“We will have a look in the morning but I would be surprised if he was out for next week.”